Posts Tagged ‘instrument panel’

Even the most committed enthusiasts feel some resistance to the purchase of original equipment gauges that could cost as much as $1,500. The expense is particularly hard to justify when superior replacement gauges with many more features, like those of Autometer, are available at half the cost. The only complication is they are slightly different in size and therefore require the original dashboard to be modified.

This was the scenario that had persuaded Classic Dash to enter the instrument panel business in 2002. Their first panel, which graced the 1967 Camaro, not only accepted the Autometer gauges but also replaced the entire original panel and gauges for less than half the cost. Furthermore, it was the first aftermarket ABS composite dash panel. It changed forever the landscape of replacement instrument panels and gauges for muscle cars and interesting pick-up trucks of the last century.

3-piece ABS composite panels in three finishes with or without gauges

Carson City, NV: Classic Thunder Road has developed a new three-piece door-to-door instrument panel for 1968-’70 Dodge Charger and Coronet and Plymouth GTX as well as the 1970 Road Runner.

Developed as direct replacements for the original dashes, Classic Thunder Road offers them in three finishes: matte black, brushed aluminum or carbon fiber. Further, they are manufactured from high quality ABS composite and available with or without gauges and wiring harness.

However, the new panels accept Autometer 3-3/8in diameter speedometer and tachometer dials and 2-1/16in water temperature, oil pressure, fuel level and volt meter gauges. The most popular Autometer gauges provided include their electrically powered American Muscle and Ultralite styles. The Ultralite is also available as mechanically operated.

Of particular interest are Classic Thunder Road’s own High Velocity or Concours gauges. The Concours range is a low-cost line while the High Velocity is a programmable series that offers several interesting features including peak recall on the tachometer. Both styles are of high quality, their chief advantage lies in their economy.